Johnny Adams – There Is Always One More Time

From the “there really can’t be a better singer around” catagory comes this set from the latter part of Adams career. It encompasses his work with Rounder from 1982 until his death in 1998. Pretty much unknown to the pop world, except for the incredible “Reconsider Me,” which was a hit in 1969, Adams is shown here as a singer who’s at home on blues, R&B, jazz, and even showtunes.

His supporting cast for most of these is pretty good too. Check out the soul/funk of “I Feel Like Breaking Up Somebody’s Home.” Adams fine vocals are augmented by some masterful guitar playing by Walter “Wolfman” Washington. “Happy Hard Times” is an uptown blues that shows off Adams at his finest, and Duke Robillard’s jazz-tinged blues soloing highlights the tune. Other names that you’d know are also used nicely on the album. Jimmy Ponder’s tasty, unique guitar helps the slow blues of “One Foot In the Blues” glide along effortlessly. The wonderful Wayne Bennette shines on guitar on “Lover Will,” a cover of John Hiatt’s minor-key soul/funk tune.

All in all, you’d do yourself a big favor picking this one up if you’re a fan of R&B. Adams was a truely gifted singer who never really got his due, and the roster of players on this one is a who’s-who of soul/funk guys. Recommended.